Forest has been skateboarding for four years, around the time they started college, as a quicker way to get to class. “I love skating because it helps me independently clear my head and ground myself while being in community with other skaters.” Forest is heavily involved on the IUPUI campus, and has found their passion as a Jaguar with work study at the @IUPUILGBTQCntr, working as a student staff member at the Law Library and Herron woodshops. Additionally, they are part of @HerronSculpture and student organization Be Queer Do Art. “I was drawn to @HerronSchool in IUPUI because of the sheer volume and range of the student work I saw when touring the school. The quality and expansiveness of the work absolutely struck me- and that sense of awe continued into my time in undergrad. Herron is challenging, engaging, and exciting in the best and most needed ways.” The @IUPUILGBTQCntr has given Forest a community to belong to that stretches across campus. “The events and groups hosted by them have been instrumental in fostering community, and I’ve found an amazing community through them.”

“I've had Emmy for 3 years now and I got her when she was 2 months old. When my husband and I decided to pursue masters from IUPUI, we couldn't leave her back in India and got her here with us. The process was challenging but was so worth it.” This Jaguar loves to walk her dog Emmy here in Indianapolis, but you can also find them out and about across the country! “I love traveling with my husband and Emmy and visiting new places. We have already traveled to both the coasts and covered over 15+ states and want to travel all the states.” This @LuddyIndy graduate student and @IUPUILGBTQCntr student ambassador has found a support community on campus and student organizations like DAPSO. “I never felt out of place here. The cherry on top is that I am able to work with amazing people and learn so much about different initiatives and actually make a difference in the real world.” “Coming from a country where LGBTQ+ is still considered a taboo, you cannot learn a lot. When I came here, the @iupuilgbtqcntr helped me learn a lot about the community… LGBTQ+ folks, don't think about what others think- you are your own boss. You only get one life and you should live it the way you want.”

On this day in 1969, the Stonewall riots changed the course of LGBTQ+ history, leaving a lasting impact on our country. The progress achieved over the past 54 years has fostered unity within our communities, yet we remain aware of the ongoing work that lies ahead. To our LGBTQ+ Jaguar community, you have our sincere recognition and support.

“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou Today, we celebrate the lasting legacy left by our Jaguars. You are inspiring the next generation of world changers. Want to stay involved? The LGBTQ+ Alumni Association is an active and vibrant organization of IU alumni and friends that serves to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and alumni of IU on all eight campuses.

“I've played trombone for about 15 years. I feel that music really brings communities together, and to have the honor of playing different varieties of music with various groups means the world to me.” IUPUI alum and Indianapolis native, Camden Oslund, found an unexpected second home on our campus. “I stayed at IUPUI because I found such a loving and supportive community through the @IUPUILGBTQCntr and @MCIUPUI…Something I really struggled with when I first started at IUPUI, was finding a place where I could be myself, find community, and get involved. I felt lost and confused… It was with the friendships, connections, resources and relationships at IUPUI that really pushed and supported me. To this day, I still hold those relationships near and dear to my heart.” In his free time, Camden loves to hike, attend concerts, play board or Nintendo games, and spend time with his partner and their dog, Archie.

The diversity team at @IUMedSchool hosts over 20 unique events year-round to engage faculty, staff and learners in conversations to become better health care professionals. These programs demonstrate IU's commitment to diversity, and is one way the IU School of Medicine encourages continued learning and understanding about different cultures, ethnicities and life experiences.

“I have been playing the flute since fourth grade and still love it. I did band throughout high school and college and still perform with an adult community band called Pride of Indy. I have marched in every @IndyPride parade with the Pride of Indy Bands between 2005 and 2019 including when I was pregnant in 2011. I have traveled the country to march in their pride parades.” Shell Snider, @O’Neill_Indy alumni credits the education she received through the IUPUI nonprofit management program for her ability to thrive in her current position. “I learned many useful concepts and expanded my critical thinking skills while enrolled in the program. I graduated in May of 2022 and I use an enormous amount of information learned in the program to help me in my position as Executive Director of Indy Pride.” Outside of work, Shelly enjoys spending time with her wife and son going camping and traveling. “Being your authentic self is important. Finding spaces where you are able to be your authentic self can be challenging for LGBTQ+ people. I encourage anyone who is queer to seek others like them and build a community of people who love you. Starting with the @IUPUILGBTQCntr or the @IUPUI_LGBTQ_FSC is highly recommended.”

"Where flowers bloom, so does hope." –Lady Bird Johnson Wishing our community peace, solace and endurance of spirit this summer. Take time to rest and recharge, Jags.

Graduate student at @LuddyIndy, Ritu, has been practicing origami for years. “Initially, it was merely a pastime, and it has now become my go-to activity for relieving stress. Engaging in origami helps improve my concentration and provides a sense of fulfillment whenever I finish an origami… My proudest achievement thus far was making a boat measuring just 4 mm in size.” Ritu’s list of other hobbies include hiking, stargazing, painting, and admiring the architecture of large cities. It was partly the appeal of our integration into downtown Indianapolis that attracted Ritu to IUPUI. She got to experience the city and the unity of our downtown community at this year’s Pride parade as a perk of her role as a student ambassador for the @IUPUILGBTQCntr “One of the reasons I find great satisfaction in this role is the remarkable individuals I get to interact with. Everyone is incredibly friendly, compassionate, and consistently seeks opportunities to uplift the LGBTQ+ community. [Attending the Pride parade] I was deeply moved by the overwhelming love and support exhibited by the people of Indy towards the queer community. It was a truly heartwarming experience.”

The summer season is here! There are a variety of virtual workshops, fitness classes, education events, and more being held for our community this summer. Explore our summer events on campus through the link in our bio.

“I love Indy because it is such a bike-friendly city. I like biking because it allows me to exercise my body while also exploring my city and neighborhoods I don't get to interact in as often.” Sam Garrison has a packed schedule, as a Ph.D. Student at @IUMedSchool, President of Alliance at IUSM, and Regional Chair of the Medical Student Council he is on the go, but still finds time for his hobbies. “...I also like to draw, paint, and take care of houseplants. I don't get a lot of free time to spend on hobbies as a medical student, so I try to be really intentional to reserve time every month to do things I enjoy. Being an artist was always something that was important to me growing up, and I don't want to lose that creative part of my individuality.” Sam credits IUPUI’s downtown, accessible campus, and proximity to major medical centers as part of his decision to become a Jaguar. He also found a larger community by taking advantage of the support systems in place for LGBTQ+ students at IUPUI. “...I've been part of our Alliance Student Interest Group since my first year where I've been able to meet other LGBTQ+ medical students from across the state. As the current president, I want to be able to create opportunities for our students to learn about LGBTQ+ healthcare and advocacy, while also supporting an atmosphere for LGBTQ+ students to meet each other and find community at our institution.” Sam’s advice to young members of the LGBTQ+ community is to practice patience with yourselves. “It took me many years to feel comfortable, safe, and proud in my skin as a queer person. Our community is resilient and powerful, despite those who try to erase our identities. Queer, gender-diverse identities and love are always something to celebrate.”

Happy Juneteenth Jags! Take time to celebrate and commemorate this day of freedom by educating yourself on the significance of this holiday. Click the link in our bio to learn more about Juneteenth from our IU experts.